How do I use hair straighteners in Gabon?

Gabonese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Gabon?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Gabon:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Gabonese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Gabon, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Gabon otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Gabon you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Gabon please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Gabon

Will my hair straighteners work in Gabon?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Gabon. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in Gabon. If not then you will need to consider buying either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic hair straighteners in Gabon for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Gabon power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Gabonese power outlet?

The frequency from a Gabonese power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Gabon?

Power outlets in Gabon are 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Gabon?

Type C power outlets are used in Gabon. The plug outlet, also called the Europlug, is identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go. A Type C plug adapter allows you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Gabon - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Gabon. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in Gabon?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Gabon then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Gabonese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Gabonese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Gabon.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Gabon or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Gabon with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Gabon?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on hand luggage to Gabon?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Gabon will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Gabon?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Gabon as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Gabonese power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Gabon.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in Gabon could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before travelling. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Gabon

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Gabon?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Gabon?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Gabon, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Gabonese power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my hair straighteners in Gabon?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Gabon. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [14] [16] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Gabon using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Gabon by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Gabon - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Gabon you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Gabon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the Gabonese power outlet. This unearthed power outlet, sometimes called a Europlug, can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Gabonese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the straighteners in Gabon. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Gabon using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Gabonese country entry on wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  12. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..